LSS

We are traveling to Thailand for 2 1/2 weeks in September on Honeymoon. Staying at the Dusit Santiburi in Koh Samui. Any recommendations for the best beach, restaurants and things to do while there? Is the beach at the Dusit nice?

Staying at the Oriental in Bangkok. Restaurant recommendations there?

Also spending a few days at the Four Seasons in Chaing Mai and in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Any info is much appreciated for this first time Asia traveler.

Peteralan

Hi LSS..My original reply to you didn't work so here goes again! Since you are staying at the Oriental(lucky you!)you must try the buffet on the terrace of the hotel.I think they have it during the day but we always go at night.It is situated right next to the Chao Phrya River and the night lights and little boats going up and down make it a magic experience.The food is good (Thai and European) and of course the service is wonderful.Since you are staying at the Hotel, you will be given a good table but you wil need to book ahead as it is popular.What a great honeymoon..The Oriental plus lovely Koh Samui!Enjoy!

rhkkmk

i can contribute about restaurants...don't know what you like but here goes....at the oriental we like the buffet lunch at lord jims...quite formal but a lovely way to spend a couple of hungrary hours...everything you can imagine....in back of the hotel and out to new road, go to soi 34 (next to the post office) and just a short ways down there is harmonique...a very good thai restaurnat...very reasonable....service is not great but be patient...the good is excellent...the price is even better...there are two a/c rooms if you prefer...i do...across new road and back toward silom road is a sign for himili cha cha a very good indian restaurant...it is just down the side lane about 100 feet....
go across the river to the peninsula...the jesters is a fabulous restaurant...asian susion...very romantic...make a reservation..expensive....they also have a new restaurant called thilipa or something similar...i will be there in a couple of weeks but have not tried it yet....it is thai and located near the water...

in back of the oriental in the little white house is china house....a great dim sum place and also chinese food...

lim silversmiths just up that road is a good silver place by the way....also look at the thai home store next door...takes you back 50 years in bkk....

our favorite italian place is at the four seasons hotel and is called biscotti...very very good..take a taxi...

gallery cafe in back of the sheraton orchid hotel is well liked by some on this board...again i have not been there yet...it is new and thai....

hope this helps

tipper1713

Just got back from the Santiburi this week after spending 6 nights. A great property if you want a quiet and romantic holiday. Make sure you get a Villa and NOT an equatorial suite. The suites are rather dated and on 2 levels which is inconvenient. They are also a far walk to the beach. The Villas are situated in between the pool and the beach and are well accommodated with large bathrooms.

The beach that the Dusit is on is on the North shore of Samui and far enough away from the hussle and bustle of Chaweng (which is like the Ibiza of Asia), although a short 15 mins taxi ride. Many of the good restaurants are located there. Email me if you are interested and I will give you the names.

Have a great trip.

Lyndie

Stephen Downes is a well-respected Australian food writer. He wrote a piece in the Australian which I kept, knowing I would eventually get to Koh Samui (albeit a bit later than I planned!) He says..."A million tourists visit Samui annually and never see this stuff....Ko-Seng at Mae-Nam on nth coast. Barracuda steaks , brilliant warm mud-crab.....on & on he goes about the fabulous local places that cater for in the know travellers & rich Thais & expats who visit for a little R & R. I'm definitely going to find this restaurant!!!